Roof ventilation system for tiled roof

ABSTRACT

A roof ventilation for a roof having roof tiles with air channels is disclosed. The roof includes a roof supporting structure, a plurality of roof tiles, and at least one vent tile. The plurality of roof tiles reside over the roof supporting structure. The roof tiles include air channels formed therethrough which are in ventilating communication with one another. The least one vent tile resides over the roof supporting structure. Each of the at least one vent tile includes a first upper plate, a second upper plate, and a lower plate. The first and second upper plates are spaced apart from each other, forming a ventilating access. The second upper plate has a first opening and the lower plate has a second opening. The first opening is in ventilating communication with the second opening and with at least one of the air channels. The ventilating access and the first and second openings together permit airflow between regions above and below the roof. The at least one of the air channels is substantially aligned with a space between the upper and lower plates.

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) ofProvisional Application Ser. No. 60/856,223, filed Nov. 1, 2006. Thefull disclosure of this priority application is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application relates generally to building ventilation andspecifically to roof ventilation.

2. Description of the Related Art

Energy efficiency is a serious consideration in building design.Buildings require ways to minimize energy requirements to maintaincomfortable living spaces. Certain buildings have a roof and an atticunderneath the roof. One of the most common energy losses in suchbuildings is due to heat transfer through the attic. In warm climates,heat builds up in the attic from solar energy incident on the roof. Incolder climates, moisture builds up in the attic, robbing the insulationof much of its R value.

Recently, ventilation systems have been incorporated to enhance theinsulation of a roof. Such ventilation systems remove heat and/ormoisture build-up in the attic, thus minimizing energy losses due toheat transfer through the attic.

Certain buildings include a roof with roof tiles having air channels.The air channels are formed through the roof tiles, and are inventilating communication with one another. The air channels provideinsulation between regions above and below the roof. Such buildings,however, may still have heat or moisture build-up in the attic.Therefore, there is still a need to provide a ventilation system thatproperly ventilates the attic. There is also a need to provide aventilation system which minimally detrimentally affects the appearanceof a roof design and is applicable to various types of roofs, whileoffering low installation costs relative to other ventilation systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a roof structurefor a tiled roof of a building. In accordance with a preferredembodiment, a roof structure is provided comprising a roof supportingstructure and a plurality of roof tiles over the roof supportingstructure. Each of the roof tiles comprises an upper plate, a lowerplate, and an air channel formed through the roof tile between the upperand lower plates. The roof tiles are arranged in a plurality of groups.The roof tiles and air channels of each group of roof tiles areadjacently positioned so that the air channels of each group are inventilating communication with one another and collectively form an airpassage within the roof. At least one of the roof tiles comprises a venttile comprising a first upper plate, a second upper plate underlying thefirst upper plate, and a lower plate including a second opening. Thefirst and second upper plates have a gap therebetween. The second upperplate includes a first opening. The lower plate is positioned below thesecond upper plate with an air channel defined therebetween. The firstopening is in ventilating communication with the second opening via theair channel of the vent tile. The gap and the first and second openingstogether permit airflow between regions above and below the roof.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment, a vent tile is providedcomprising a first upper plate, a second upper plate underlying thefirst upper plate, a lower plate opposing the second upper plate, andsidewalls connecting the second upper plate to the lower plate. Thefirst and second upper plates have a gap therebetween. The second upperplate includes a first opening. The lower plate includes a secondopening. The second upper plate, the lower plate, and the sidewallstogether define an air channel formed through the vent tile. The firstand second openings are in ventilating communication with each otherthrough the air channel.

In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment, a method ofproviding a roof structure for a tiled roof of a building is provided.The method comprises providing a roof supporting structure. Then, aplurality of roof tiles are provided over the roof supporting structure.In addition, each of the roof tiles comprises an upper plate, a lowerplate, and an air channel formed through the roof tile between the upperand lower plates. The roof tiles are arranged in a plurality of groups.The roof tiles and air channels of each group of roof tiles areadjacently positioned so that the air channels of each group are inventilating communication with one another and collectively form an airpassage within the roof. Providing at least one of the roof tilescomprises providing a vent tile comprising a first upper plate, a secondupper plate underlying the first upper plate, and a lower plateincluding a second opening. The first and second upper plates have a gaptherebetween. The second upper plate includes a first opening. The lowerplate is positioned below the second upper plate with an air channeldefined therebetween. The first opening is in ventilating communicationwith the second opening via the air channel of the vent tile. The gapand the first and second openings together permit airflow betweenregions above and below the roof.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achievedover the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention havebeen described above and as further described below. Of course, it is tobe understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention.Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that theinvention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves oroptimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein withoutnecessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught orsuggested herein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of theinvention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the presentinvention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiments havingreference to the attached figure, the invention not being limited to anyparticular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building with a tiled roof having venttiles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a roof structurehaving vent tiles;

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a capsection of a vent tile;

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the cap section of the vent tile of FIG.3A;

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of the second upper plate of the cap sectionof the vent tile of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the cap section of the vent tile ofFIG. 3A, taken along the line 3D-3D;

FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view of the cap section of the vent tile ofFIG. 3A, taken along the line 3E-3E;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the roof structure of FIG. 2, takenalong the line 4A-4A;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the roof structure of FIG. 2, takenalong the line 4B-4B;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a roof tile.

FIGS. 5B-5D are cross-sectional views of embodiments of vent tiles.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a roof structurehaving a vent tile; and

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a roofstructure having a vent tile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a building 1 with a roof 2 according to one embodiment. Theroof 2 comprises two fields 3 a and 3 b that are joined at their upperends to define a ridge 4. Lower edges 5 of the fields are referred to as“eaves.” The fields 3 a and 3 b comprise a roof supporting structure(not shown) covered with tiles 20 (e.g., clay or concrete). The roof issuitable for having one or more vent tiles 10 according to oneembodiment of the invention. Also, skilled artisans will appreciate thatthe vent tiles may be provided in a wide variety of different types ofroofs, including those not having ridges or sloped fields. In FIG. 1, aplurality of vent tiles 10 are lined up on the field 3 a along the ridge4 and eave 5 of the roof 2. The vent tiles 10 are preferably provided ineach field 3 a, 3 b. In other embodiments, the vent tiles 10 may bepositioned alternatively or additionally on different parts of the field3 a, 3 b, depending on the ventilation needs.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the roof 2 according to one embodiment.The illustrated portion of the roof 2 includes roof tiles 20 supportedby a roof supporting structure 30. Some of the roof tiles 20 comprisethe aforementioned vent tiles 10. As used herein, the reference numeral20 refers to roof tiles that are not vent tiles 10, unless otherwiseindicated. However, it should be understood that each vent tile 10 ispreferably a specialized roof tile 20. The roof tiles 20 are arranged incolumns and rows. The vent tiles 10 are positioned between two of theroof tiles 20 both in the horizontal direction and in the verticaldirection. It will be appreciated that the positions of the vent tiles10 may vary depending on the ventilation needs. The roof supportingstructure 30 supports both the vent tiles 10 and the roof tiles 20.

In FIG. 2, each roof tile 20 includes a cap section 20 a and a pansection 20 b. When the tiles 20 are assembled, the tiles' cap sections20 a form cap columns, and the tiles' pan sections 20 b form panchannels. Rainwater tends to flow downward within the pan channels. Inan alternative embodiment, each roof tile 20 includes two or more capsections 20 a and two or more corresponding pan sections 20 b. The venttiles 10 preferably have the same number of cap sections 10 a and pansections 10 b as the roof tiles 20, preferably in the same size andshape so as to blend in visually and functionally with the roof tiles20.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a cap section 10 a of a vent tile 10 includes afirst upper plate 11 a, a second upper plate 11 b, spacers 16, a lowerplate 12, and sidewalls 13. The first upper plate 11 a covers the secondupper plate 11 b with a gap therebetween. The second upper plate 11 bopposes the lower plate 12 with a space therebetween. The sidewalls 13include a first sidewall 13 a and a second sidewall 13 b opposing eachother. The second upper plate 11 b, the lower plate 12, and the twosidewalls 13 a, 13 b, together define a channel 17 formed through thecap section 10 a of the vent tile 10. While not shown in FIG. 3A, a pansection can be attached or formed integrally with one of the sidewalls13 a, 13 b. Also, the vent tile 10 can include any number of capsections and pan sections, preferably matching the number, size, andshape of cap and pan sections of the roof tile 20.

The first upper plate 11 a forms a cover of the cap section 10 a of thevent tile 10. The illustrated first upper plate 11 a is convex whenviewed from above. In other embodiments, the first upper plate may havevarious other shapes and configurations. The first upper plate 11 a maybe formed of, without limitation, a metal, clay, a plastic material, ora combination of two or more of the foregoing.

In addition, the first upper plate 11 a may have a downwardly dependingbaffle or flange 18 at its lower edge. The flange 18 may be configuredto allow airflow underneath it while preventing ingress of rain or snow.

The second upper plate 11 b forms an upper part of the cap section 10 aof the vent tile 10. The illustrated second upper plate 11 b is shapedsubstantially similar or in conformity with the first upper plate 11 a.In other embodiments, the second upper plate may have various othershapes and configurations. The second upper plate 11 b may be formed of,without limitation, a metal, clay, a plastic material, or a combinationof two or more of the foregoing.

The second upper plate 11 b has a first opening 14 a penetratingtherethrough. The first opening 14 a permits airflow between the channel17 and a region above the vent tile 10, as will be better understoodfrom later description herein. In certain embodiments, the first opening14 a may include louvers. The louvers include a number of narrow slitsformed in parallel to one another. It will be appreciated that theshape, number, and position of the slits can be varied, depending on thedesign of a vent tile. The first opening 14 a may be covered by a screen15 a to prevent entry of insects, vermin, and debris larger than thescreen openings (FIG. 3C).

Referring to FIG. 3E, the spacers 16 provide a gap between the first andsecond upper plates 11 a, 11 b, thereby forming a ventilating accesstherebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacers 16 support thefirst upper plate 11 a above the second upper plate 11 b, forming aspace throughout between the upper plates 11 a, 11 b. This configurationprovides ventilating access in all directions from the cap section 10 aof the vent tile 10. In other embodiments, the ventilating access may belimited to a certain direction(s) from the cap section 10 a of the venttile 10, e.g., down, left or right. A skilled artisan will appreciatethat the configuration of the spacers 16 can be adapted to the design ofthe ventilating access. The spacers 16 may be attached to the first andsecond upper plates 11 a, 11 b in any suitable manner. In certainembodiments, the spacers 16 may be formed integrally with one or both ofthe upper plates 11 a, 11 b. The spacers 16 may be formed of, withoutlimitation, a metal, a plastic material, or a combination of theforegoing.

The lower plate 12 forms a lower part of the cap section 10 a of thevent tile 10. The illustrated lower plate 12 is flat in shape. In otherembodiments, the lower plate may have various other shapes. The lowerplate 12 may be formed of, without limitation, a metal, clay, a plasticmaterial, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Preferably,the lower plate 12 is formed of the same material as that of the upperplates 11 a, 11 b.

Referring to FIGS. 3D and 3E, the lower plate 12 has a second opening 14b penetrating therethrough. The second opening 14 b permits airflowbetween the channel 17 and a region below the lower plate 12. Referringto FIG. 3D, the illustrated second opening 14 b is covered by a screen15 b to prevent entry of insects, vermin, and debris larger than thescreen openings.

The sidewalls 13 connect the second upper plate 11 b to the lower plate12. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewalls 13 are integrallyformed with the second upper plate 11 b and the lower plate 12. Thesidewalls 13 may be secured to the second upper plate 11 b and the lowerplate 12, using any suitable securing means. The sidewalls 13 may beformed of, without limitation, a metal, clay, a plastic material, or acombination of two or more of the foregoing. Preferably, the sidewalls13 are formed of the same material as that of the second upper plate 11b and/or the lower plate 12. Preferably, the sidewalls 13, second upperplate 11 b, lower plate 12, and adjoining pan section(s) and additionalcap section(s) (if any) are formed of the same material.

The channel 17, as shown in FIG. 3A, is in ventilating communicationwith the first and second openings 14 a, 14 b. In addition, the gapbetween the first and second upper plates 11 a, 11 b is in ventilatingcommunication with the first opening 14 a. This configuration permitsairflow between regions above and below the roof 2. The regions belowthe roof 2 may include an attic or a living space of a building. Thechannel 17 is also configured to be in ventilating communication withair channels of the roof tiles 20, as will be better understood fromlater description herein.

Referring to FIG. 4A, each of cap sections 20 a of the roof tiles 20includes an upper plate 21, a lower plate 22, and sidewalls 23. Theupper plate 21 opposes the lower plate 22 with a space therebetween. Thesidewalls 23 include a first sidewall 23 a and a second sidewall 23 bopposing each other. The upper plate 21, the lower plate 22, and the twosidewalls 23 a, 23 b, together define an air channel 27 formed throughthe cap section 20 a of the roof tile 20.

The upper plate 21 forms an upper part of the cap section 20 a of theroof tile 20. The illustrated upper plate 21 is convex when viewed fromabove. In other embodiments, the upper plate may have various othershapes. Preferably, the upper plate 21 of the cap section 20 a of theroof tile 20 has substantially the same shape as the first upper plate11 a of the cap section 10 a of the vent tile 10. The upper plate 21 maybe formed of, without limitation, clay, a metal, a plastic material, ora combination of two or more of the foregoing. Preferably, the upperplate 21 is formed of clay.

The lower plate 22 forms a lower part of the cap section 20 a of theroof tile 20. The illustrated lower plate 22 is flat in shape. In otherembodiments, the lower plate may have various other shapes. The lowerplate 22 may be formed of, without limitation, clay, a metal, a plasticmaterial, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Preferably,the lower plate 22 is formed of the same material as that of the upperplate 21.

The sidewalls 23 connect the upper plate 21 to the lower plate 22. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the sidewalls 23 are integrally formed withthe upper and lower plates 21, 22. In other embodiments, the sidewalls23 may be secured to the upper and lower plates 21, 22, using anysuitable securing means. The sidewalls 23 may be formed of, withoutlimitation, clay, a metal, a plastic material, or a combination of twoor more of the foregoing. Preferably, the sidewalls 23 are formed of thesame material as that of the upper plate 21 or the lower plate 22.Preferably, the upper plate 21, lower plate 22, and sidewalls 23 areformed of the same material.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-section of the roof 2 of FIG. 2, taken alongthe line 4A-4A. The roof tiles 20 are arranged parallel to one anotheron the roof supporting structure 30. The vent tiles 10 are interposedbetween two of the roof tiles 20 in the illustrated cross-section.Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the first and second openings 14a, 14 b of the vent tiles 10 are in ventilating communication withapertures 35 of the roof supporting structure 30. In addition, theventilating access between the first and second upper plates 11 a, 11 bis in ventilating communication with the first opening 14 a of thesecond upper plate 11 b. This configuration permits airflow betweenregions above and below the roof 2, and thus reduces heat or moisturebuild-up in the regions below the roof 2. The regions below the roof 2may include an attic or a living space of a building.

FIG. 4B is a cross-section of the roof 2 of FIG. 2, taken along the line4B-4B. In this embodiment, the roof tiles 20 are arranged in lines (or“columns” or “groups”) extending between the eave and ridge (not shown)of the roof 2. The roof tiles 20 are arranged such that the air channels27 of the roof tiles 20 of each aligned group of roof tiles are inventilating communication with one another to collectively form airpassages extending within the roof. As described above, the air channels27 are optionally located within the cap sections 20 a of the roof tiles20. This configuration provides insulation throughout the roof 2.Preferably, one or more of the roof tiles 20 in each aligned group ofroof tiles 20 is replaced by a vent tile 10. Thus, the air channels 27of the roof tiles 20 are also in ventilating communication with thefirst opening 14 a and second opening 14 b of the vent tile 10. Thisconfiguration permits ventilation of the air channels 27 of the rooftiles 20. The ventilation of the air channels 27 facilitates ventilationof the building while preserving the insulative effect of the airpassages, each of which is defined by a group of air channels 27 (ofroof tiles 20) and one or more air channels 17 (of vent tiles 10).

In FIG. 4B, the vent tile 10 is positioned vertically between two of theroof tiles 20. In another embodiment, the vent tile 10 may be locatednear the eave or ridge of the roof, as shown in FIG. 1, and may haveonly one neighboring roof tile 20. In certain embodiments, two or morevent tiles 10 may be provided in an aligned group or column of rooftiles 20. The vent tiles 10 may be provided in every aligned group orcolumn of roof tiles 20 throughout the roof. In another embodiment, thevent tiles 10 may be provided in every other aligned group or column ofroof tiles 20. A skilled artisan will appreciate that the number andpositions of the vent tiles 10 may vary depending on the ventilationneeds.

Referring back to FIG. 4A, cap sections 10 a of the vent tiles 10 andcap sections 20 b of the roof tiles 20 can be positioned between pansections 10 b, 20 b. More specifically, each pan section 10 b can bepositioned between two cap sections 10 a or between a cap section 10 aand a cap section 20 a, and each pan section 20 b can be positionedbetween two cap sections 20 a or between a cap section 20 a and a capsection 10 a. The illustrated pan section 10 b, 20 b includes an upperplate 41, a lower plate 42, and a central wall 48, but otherconfigurations are possible. The illustrated upper plate 41 is concavewhen viewed from above. The lower plate 42 is flat in shape. The centralwall 48 connects the upper plate 41 with the lower plate 42. The upperplate 41, the lower plate 42, and the central wall 48 together defineair channels 47. These air channels 47 can be in ventilatingcommunication with the air channels 47 of a neighboring roof tile (notshown). This configuration provides further insulation of the roof.

FIG. 5A illustrates one embodiment of a roof tile 520 having two capsections 501 and two pan sections 502. The cap sections 501 and the pansections 502 may be all integrated with one another, forming a singlepiece, and are preferably formed integrally. They may be fixed to oneanother using any suitable fastening means. Examples of the fasteningmeans include, but are not limited to, bolts, nuts, nails, screws,adhesives, and solder. This combined structure permits ease of handlingand installing. In other embodiments, however, the cap sections 501 andthe pan sections 502 may be provided separately. A skilled artisan willappreciate that various configurations of tile structures are possible.

FIGS. 5B-5C illustrate various embodiments of vent tiles 510B, 510C,510D configured to blend in visually and functionally with the roof tile520 of FIG. 5A. Each of the vent tiles 510B, 510C, 510D has two capsections 501, 503 and two pan sections 502. The cap sections 501, 503and the pan sections 502 may be all integrated with one another, forminga single piece, and are preferably formed integrally.

The vent tile 510B of FIG. 5B includes two ventilating cap sections 503and two pan sections 502. The vent tile 510C of FIG. 5C includes onenon-ventilating cap section 501, one ventilating cap section 503, andtwo pan sections 502. The vent tile 510D of FIG. 5D also includes onenon-ventilating cap section 501, one ventilating cap section 503, andtwo pan sections 502. The ventilating cap section 503 and thenon-ventilating cap section 501 of the vent tile 510D, however, have anopposite arrangement from those of the vent tile 510C. It will beappreciated that various other configurations of vent tiles arepossible.

The vent tile 10, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, may have the same shape as thatof the roof tiles 20. The vent tile 10 preferably mimics the appearanceof the roof tiles 20. This configuration avoids detrimentally affectingthe appearance of the roof. In another embodiment, however, the venttile may have a different shape and size to meet ventilation and/ordecorative needs.

The roof supporting structure supports both the vent tiles 10 and theroof tiles 20. Referring to FIG. 6A, a roof 600A includes a roofsupporting structure comprising a roof deck 30. The illustrated roofdeck 30 directly supports the vent tiles 10 and the roof tiles 20. Inthis embodiment, the roof deck 30 includes apertures 35 over which thevent tiles 10 are placed. The apertures 35 are in ventilatingcommunication with the second openings 14 b of the vent tile lowerplates 12, as shown in FIG. 4A. This configuration permits airflowbetween regions above and below the roof 600A.

In another embodiment, the roof supporting structure may further includebattens interposed between the roof deck 30 and the tiles 10, 20. Thebattens may run parallel to one another and to the eave and ridge of theroof. The battens may directly support the tiles 10, 20. The battens arepreferably configured to not interrupt the air passages collectivelyformed by the air channels 27 of the roof tiles 20.

In certain embodiments, the roof supporting structure may also include aradiant barrier layer. The radiant barrier layer may reside over andsubstantially across the roof supporting structure. The radiant barrierlayer includes a radiant barrier material that reflects radiant heataway from the roof. The radiant barrier material may comprise a sheet orcoating. The coating may be formed of a paint blended with a radiantbarrier additive. The radiant barrier material may preferably include ahighly reflective material, such as aluminum. The radiant barrier layermay further include a substrate material such as kraft paper, plasticfilms (e.g., polypropylene and polyethylene), or cardboard. Another typeof radiant barrier layer comprises bubble wrap with one or both sidescovered with aluminum foil. In certain embodiments, the radiant barrierlayer is reinforced by fiber to increase the durability and ease ofhandling. The radiant barrier may also include apertures in ventilatingcommunication with the apertures of the roof deck 30 and the secondopenings 14 b of the vent tile lower plates 12.

Referring to FIG. 6B, the roof supporting structure may include rafters60 and battens 50 without a roof deck. The battens 50 directly supportthe tiles 10, 20. In this embodiment, no aperture is required in theroof supporting structure because the spaces between the battens areopen for airflow. In certain embodiments, the roof supporting structuremay also include a radiant barrier layer attached to either or both ofthe rafters and battens. The configuration of the radiant barrier layermay be as described above with reference to FIG. 6A.

The roof tiles described above (e.g., 10, 20) may be installed in a roofas follows. In one embodiment where the roof supporting structure hasonly rafters and battens without a roof deck or a radiant barrier, thevent tiles 10 are simply installed sequentially with the roof tiles 20.

In another embodiment where the roof supporting structure comprises aroof deck and/or a radiant barrier layer, apertures (e.g., 35) areformed through the deck and/or the radiant barrier layer. Then, the rooftiles 20 and vent tiles 10 are mounted thereon. The vent tiles 10 areinstalled at the apertures such that the second openings 14 b of thevent tile lower plates 12 are aligned with the apertures. A skilledartisan will appreciate that various other steps or processes may beused for installing the roof tiles 20 and the vent tiles 10.

According to the embodiments described above, the roof structureincludes vent tiles mimicking the appearance of roof tiles. Thisconfiguration enhances the insulating of the roof without detrimentallyaffecting the appearance of the roof. It will be understood that theappearance of the vent tiles and roof tiles can be different than thatof the tiles 10, 20 disclosed herein.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications thereof. Thus, itis intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosedshould not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments describedabove, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claimsthat follow.

1. A roof structure for a tiled roof of a building, the structurecomprising: a roof supporting structure; and a plurality of roof tilesover the roof supporting structure, each of the roof tiles comprising anupper plate, a lower plate, and an air channel formed through the rooftile between the upper and lower plates, the roof tiles being arrangedin a plurality of groups, wherein the roof tiles and air channels ofeach group of roof tiles are adjacently positioned so that the airchannels of each group are in ventilating communication with one anotherand collectively form an air passage within the roof; wherein at leastone of the roof tiles comprises a vent tile comprising: a first upperplate; a second upper plate underlying the first upper plate, the firstand second upper plates having a gap therebetween, the second upperplate including a first opening; and a lower plate including a secondopening, the lower plate positioned below the second upper plate with anair channel defined therebetween, the first opening being in ventilatingcommunication with the second opening via the air channel of the venttile, wherein the gap and the first and second openings together permitairflow between regions above and below the roof.
 2. The structure ofclaim 1, wherein the roof tiles and air channels of a first of thegroups of roof tiles are substantially aligned, and wherein one of theroof tiles of the first group of roof tiles comprises the vent tile. 3.The structure of claim 2, wherein the roof tiles of the first group aresubstantially aligned in a direction extending substantially parallel toa ridge of the roof.
 4. The structure of claim 2, wherein the roof tilesof the first group are substantially aligned in a direction extendingsubstantially perpendicular to a ridge of the roof.
 5. The structure ofclaim 2, wherein the vent tile is interposed between two of the rooftiles of the first group of roof tiles.
 6. The structure of claim 2,wherein the vent tile is positioned at an end of the first group of rooftiles.
 7. The structure of claim 2, wherein the air passage of the firstgroup of roof tiles substantially extends from a ridge to an eave of theroof.
 8. The structure of claim 7, wherein the vent tile of the firstgroup is located near one of the ridge and the eave of the roof.
 9. Thestructure of claim 7, wherein an end of the air passage of the firstgroup is open at the eave of the roof to an exterior of the building.10. The structure of claim 1, wherein the roof tiles cover substantiallythe entire roof supporting structure, and wherein the air passages ofthe groups of roof tiles are formed throughout the roof.
 11. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein the roof supporting structure comprisesbattens supporting the roof tiles.
 12. The structure of claim 1, whereinthe roof supporting structure comprises a roof deck supporting the rooftiles, and wherein the roof deck has an aperture in ventilatingcommunication with the second opening of the vent tile.
 13. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein the first opening comprises louvers in thesecond upper plate.
 14. The structure of claim 1, wherein the vent tilefurther comprises a screen covering at least one of the first and secondopenings.
 15. The structure of claim 1, wherein the vent tile comprisesa metal.
 16. The structure of claim 1, wherein the vent tile comprises amaterial the same as that of the roof tiles that are not vent tiles. 17.The structure of claim 1, wherein the vent tile has substantially thesame shape as that of the roof tiles that are not vent tiles.
 18. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein the vent tile mimics an appearance of theroof tiles that are not vent tiles.
 19. The structure of claim 1,wherein the plurality of roof tiles comprise at least one roof tilecomprising at least one cap section and at least one pan section, andwherein the vent tile includes the same number of cap sections and pansections as the at least one roof tile.
 20. The structure of claim 19,wherein the first upper plate, the second upper plate, and the lowerplate of the vent tile together resemble one of the at least one capsection of the at least one roof tile.
 21. A vent tile comprising: afirst upper plate; a second upper plate underlying the first upperplate, the first and second upper plates having a gap therebetween, thesecond upper plate including a first opening; a lower plate opposing thesecond upper plate, the lower plate including a second opening; andsidewalls connecting the second upper plate to the lower plate, whereinthe second upper plate, the lower plate, and the sidewalls togetherdefine an air channel formed through the vent tile, and wherein thefirst and second openings are in ventilating communication with eachother through the air channel.
 22. The vent tile of claim 21, furthercomprising at least one spacer interposed between the first and secondupper plates.
 23. A method of providing a roof structure for a tiledroof of a building, the method comprising: providing a roof supportingstructure; providing a plurality of roof tiles over the roof supportingstructure, each of the roof tiles comprising an upper plate, a lowerplate, and an air channel formed through the roof tile between the upperand lower plates; arranging the roof tiles in a plurality of groups; andadjacently positioning the roof tiles and air channels of each group sothat the air channels of each group are in ventilating communicationwith one another and collectively form an air passage within the roof,wherein providing the plurality of the roof tiles comprises providing avent tile comprising: a first upper plate; a second upper plateunderlying the first upper plate, the first and second upper plateshaving a gap therebetween, the second upper plate including a firstopening; and a lower plate including a second opening, the lower platepositioned below the second upper plate with an air channel definedtherebetween, the first opening being in ventilating communication withthe second opening via the air channel of the vent tile, wherein the gapand the first and second openings together permit airflow betweenregions above and below the roof.
 24. The method of claim 23, whereinadjacently positioning the roof tiles and air channels of each groupcomprises substantially aligning the roof tiles of a first group of rooftiles, and wherein one of the roof tiles of the first group of rooftiles comprises the vent tile.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein thevent tile has substantially the same shape as that of the roof tilesthat are not vent tiles.